December 8, 2008

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STAR Receives Tony Stewart Foundation Grant

STAR announced that it has received a $9,100 Tony Stewart Foundation Grant. Funds will be used to support their Therapeutic Riding program for children with disabilities.

STAR, Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding, serves the East Tennessee region by providing a unique program using horse related activities for persons with disabilities or other special challenges. STAR currently serves 139 riders each week through their Therapeutic Riding, Hippotherapy and At-Risk Youth programs.

“The support of foundations such as the Tony Stewart Foundation is critical to the long-term success of the programs at STAR,” says Executive Director and Founder Lynn Klimas Petr.

STAR was selected to receive a grant through the Tony Stewart Foundation 2008 grant application process. STAR shares a common vision with the foundation in the area of improving the mental and/or physical well-being of children who endure serious chronic or life-threatening illness or injury.

“Each year STAR continues to advance its mission to foster personal achievement by providing challenging therapeutic experiences using horse related activities for persons with disabilities or other special challenges. Through our programs we have seen many lives changed for the better,” continued Petr.

STAR is the oldest therapeutic riding program in Tennessee, as well as a premier accredited facility of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). STAR always welcomes new volunteers to its roster of over 265 supporters that help with all aspects of the programs. For more information about STAR call 865.988.4711.

About the Tony Stewart Foundation

Founded in 2003 by Two-time NASCAR Champion, Tony Stewart, the principal purposes of the Tony Stewart Foundation are to raise and donate funds to help care for chronically ill children, drivers injured in motorsports activities and to support other charitable organizations in the protection of various animal species. The Tony Stewart Foundation will raise and donate funds to charitable interests, specifically those that support the aforementioned groups. General information about the Tony Stewart Foundation is available through their web site at www.tonystewartfoundation.org.

STAR Makes Annual Appeal

STAR has seen amazing growth during our 21 years of providing therapeutic horseback riding to those with disabilities and other special challenges. It takes a significant amount of funding and commitment to accomplish the dream of expanding our program to meet the needs of the community. Please join the STAR team today in making a gift to the annual drive so that we can continue to see the amazing growth and healing that is displayed by those who utilize our services. Click here for more information.

STAR T-Shirts Are Here!

Show your STAR support by purchasing your very own STAR t-shirt! The sleeveless tee is in a gorgeous ice blue (Adult sizes XS-XL). Bright citrus orange or subtle river blue short sleeve t-shirts are sure to compliment any pair of pants or shorts (Youth sizes S-L - Adult sizes XS-XXL). Quantities are limited!

All shirts are $15 and can be purchased at STAR or e-mail (star@rideatstar.org). Orders shipped will incur a $5 shipping & handling fee. For more information, contact STAR at 865-988-4711.

Hoofing & Hiking Is A Hit!

Hoofing & Hiking for STAR was held on September 26th at Dry Ridge Farm in Loudon, TN. Pat and Paul Green opened their beautiful farm to STAR for this annual fall fundraising event. Twenty-seven riders saddled up their horses and sixty-three hikers laced up their sneakers to hit the scenic trails at the farm. Your support of STAR raised over $15,000! ...Read More

YOGA at STAR …portion of all classes benefit STAR! Open to the Public.

Adult Beginner Class. THURSDAYS 6 p.m. First class is FREE. 75 minute class. Come try it out! Open to all Fitness Levels. $13 a class or $96 for 8 classes ($12). Just drop in when it works for your schedule. If you’d like to be on the email list for future info email info@yogaforallages.com or call 865.986.YOGA.

Special Needs YOGA at STAR. 45 minute class. Will work with child with special needs and/or child with family. “I customize instruction to the child’s and the parent’s needs. For instance, I worked with Joey on his balance and flexibility while I worked with Julie on her lower back pain and on breathing for relaxation. Yoga strengthens muscles, increases flexibility and decreases stress. I have been teaching kids for many years, and I know how to make the classes effective and FUN with songs, play and lots of encouragement,” shared Lori Galbraith with Yoga for All Ages. Morning, afternoon & evening spots available. Some weekends. $30 lesson. To learn more, www.yogaforallages.com or call 865.986.YOGA.

Our mission is to foster personal achievement by providing therapeutic experiences using horse related activities for persons with disabilities or other special challenges.

Please check out our web site and e-mail us if you have questions.

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